Happy Hump day!! I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas and is getting ready for the New Year. 2015 has been an awesome year, and I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store.

When I attended the Windy City Blog Co holiday party a couple weeks ago, I got this amazing 'bloggers gonna blog' shirt from The Trendy Sparrow and i've been living in it ever since. The Trendy Sparrow has the cutest graphic tees, coffee cups, art prints and so much more. They are local in Chicago, which I absolutely love! Anyways, for all my fellow bloggers out there, you HAVE to get this shirt. Besides the fact that it's adorable, it's super soft and something that you can dress up (I wore with a sequin skirt!) or down (with some jean shorts) and it's on sale!!

This clutch is another one of my favorites. It's from the cutest little boutique Accessory Lane. It's super similar to the Claire V clutch but for a third of the price! Each time I've worn this out, I've received so many compliments. It definitely adds a little extra pop to any outfit.

I'm off to jump in the pool, it's been high 80's and humid in Florida everyday, so it's hard not to live in the pool! Not complaining though... :p

Friday, December 25, 2015

With 2016 just around the corner, make sure you have you're perfect outfit picked up to ring in the New Year! Through December 31st, Rent the Runway has select pieces available for only $20.16 during their once a year sale!! These styles will sell out quickly as everyone is looking for that last minute outfit, so make sure to head over there quick! I have used Rent the Runway for pretty much every occasion, and it's never failed. The fact that you can reserve 2 size incase yours doesn't fit, is genius. They also have spectacular customer service and will overnight a dress if the one you receive doesn't work out.

If you're anything like me- you wait until the last minute to finish your Christmas shopping. I felt like I had so much time to get it done, and now Christmas is in 3 days! Where does the time go?! I decided to put together some last minute easy gift ideas for her and him. All of the items on this list will for sure satisfy any type of personality! My favorite for her, are these Beats by Dre headphones (how cute are the pink ones??) and this Ted Baker crossbody purse. They are definitely on my wish list this year! As we all know, guys can be SO hard to shop for... all of these items are perfect for the guy who "doesn't need anything." I love this BR Buffalo plaid travel case and these UGG slippers. I know my boyfriend would like everything on this list, and he can be pretty picky!

I hope this list will help out if you're last minute picking out the perfect gift. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year and I can't wait to head down to Florida to spend some time with the family!

OROGOLD Cosmetics Hand Cream: This stuff is AMAZING! It smells really good and left my hands feeling extremely soft. I have to say, this is probably the best hand cream I've tried, and I would definitely purchase this again. (Retails for $18)

MTJ- More than just makeup mascara: This mascara is actually amazing! I didn't have any clumps and it went on perfectly without having to do multiple coats. I would definitely buy this again, but it is a European brand, so a little hard to order in the US. (Retails for $21.90)

De Bruyere Paris Red Lipgloss: This color is amazing and super pigmented. It lasted on my lips forever! (Retails for $17.50)

Dobner Kosmetik Eyeshaow in "Mauve." This eyeshadow is made by a brand in Germany, so it was cool to get to try something I wouldn't normally buy, or be able to buy on my own. The eyeshadow itself was okay, the color was pretty, but I didn't find it to stay on as well as other brands I have tried. (Retails for $11)

Color Club Nail Polish (Brrr-Red): This nail polish came in a super pretty red color. I was very pleased with how the color went on (only needed 2 coats) and it lasted for a couple days without chipping! I would say that it's very similar to Essie. (Retails for $8.50)

I just received my second GLOSSYBOX, and it's the Holiday Edition! I was super excited to get this box, because I knew that the stuff inside would be amazing. In this holiday inspired box, I received a gorgeous red nail polish, hand creme, mascara, eyeshadow and a bright red lip gloss (my fav!). Like always, everything is full size products and top notch brands.

If you haven't heard of GLOSSYBOX before, it is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 luxury beauty items, delievered straight to your doorstop. The boxes are usually sent out in the middle of each month, so it's always nice to get a little surprise!

All in all, I really enjoyed this box. The total retail value for the box came to $76.50, and for $21 a month, that is definitely an awesome deal. If you're interested in using GLOSSYBOX, use code "marvelous15" for 15% off your subscription! I promise you will not be disappointed. :)

Last night I joined other fellow bloggers from the Midwest for Windy City Blogger Co's Holiday Party at the Hyatt Centric- Loop. The night was filled with socializing, snacking on cheese and Sprinkles cupcakes, sipping wine and shopping local blogger's boutiques! Windy City Bloggers founders Kit and Erin always know how to throw fabulous get-togethers to connect bloggers from all over. There was a braid bar from Stylisted and a nail bar from Pretty Quick, as well as tons of other things to do and see. It's always amazing to get the opportunity to connect with other local bloggers, to get advice and tips from them as well.

At the end of the night there was a huge raffle, filled with Kendra Scott, chocolate, Benefit makeup, home brewing kits and so much more! The hoverboard from Sharper Image was the biggest and last item to be raffled off, and I WON!! :) Such a great surprise to win one of the hottest gadgets of 2016!

It's that time of year of again! 'Ugly Christmas' sweater parties have begun, and this year pretty much every store has some variety of them. I remember having to go to places like the Goodwill or an Army surplus store to find an 'ugly' holiday sweater, but now places like Target and Nordstrom have their own (with a heftier price tag). Today we have a party at work and everyone in our department is wearing ugly sweaters. I decided to go the "cute" ugly sweater look, so I am wearing this one from Etsy. (Home Alone anyone!?) I would honestly wear any of these and any of them would be the perfect choice for a holiday party (or just for fun!)

On another note... when is Winter going to come to Chicago!? This weather has been crazy... 50's pretty much everyday for the past two weeks. I usually hate winter and the snow, but since we haven't gotten any, I am starting to really miss it! Tonight I am heading to the WCBC (Windy City Bloggers Collective) holiday party! I can't wait to meet some more bloggers and get in the holiday spirit! Pics to come... :)

The time is here again... another instagram round-up! I decide to post some of my (more recent) outfits in case you weren't able to find them using the ShopStyleit link. Can you believe there are only 11 days until Christmas!? I feel like it was just fall! It doesn't help that it's been in the high 50's for the last two weeks in Chicago, so it barely feels like winter, but more like spring...

Next week I am heading down to Florida for 2 weeks! It's going to be such a nice break to get away to get to lay by the pool and enjoy the hot sunshine. I have exactly one week to grab last minute Christmas presents. I always have such a hard time picking out gifts for people, so if you're like me and need last minute ideas, check out my men's gift guide and my stocking stuffer gifts under $25! All of these items would be a perfect choice for that perfect person! :)

Happy Friday!! This week seemed to go by soo slow, does anyone else feel that way?! All I want to do today is get in these adorable pajamas and watch movies, but instead I am stuck working. By the way, how cute are all of these pajamas? If I could have every single item on this list, I would be one happy girl! I have these J. Crew pajamas and they are so comfortable and have the cutest little polka-dot print. I am dying for this robe and hoping that Santa will bring it this year, haha! :)

This weekend is going to be so busy. Tonight is a work holiday party (dress pic to come!) and family in town, so it will be fun filled and lots to do! Fingers crossed that I will at least have some time to sit in pj's and relax!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! xoxo

Make sure to enter the Bloglovin' sweepstakes to receive $50 Amazon Gift Cards!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Anastasia contour kit (mine is light to medium)- works wonders // Marc Jacobs bronzer brush (the BEST!) // Marc Jacobs bronzer (tantric bronze) // Mac pigment (in naked and bronze) // Mac lipstick and Lip pencil in "Whirl" // Revlon 'Colorstay' foundation (I wear "natural tan", this makeup is by far the best) // Benefit "they're real" mascara // Mac pro-longwear blush (in 'rosy outlook') // Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner (in 'stash') // LOREAL double-extend primer and mascaraA few people have reached out to me lately asking about my make-up routine and what brands I use, so I decided to show you all of my must-have staples. Some days I just throw on some foundation and mascara, while other days I like to get dolled up and play around with my makeup!I absolutely LOVEthis foundation by Revlon. I have tried hundreds of different liquid foundations including high end like Armani, Dior and Laura Mercier but always end up coming back to this one, and the best part yet- it's only $9.99 and you can get it at Target! I have also used this eyeliner by Urban Decay for years. The color is 'stash' and it's almost a greenish-cold color. Black usually looks to harsh, especially with my blonde hair, so this color is a bit softer and such a gorgeous color. I always get people asking me what eyeliner I'm wearing. Another beauty staple for me is Mac lipstick in "whirl." Counter Kylie Jenner anyone?! This color goes perfectly with pretty much all outfits, and any time of year. I've already gone through 2 tubes of it in 3 months! Whoops. I use this mascara primer to prime my lashes and it works amazing. I don't like the mascara part because it usually makes my lashes very clumpy. I tend to not switch my routine too often, especially when I am happy with the products I am using, but I am up for any suggestions of other products you can't live without!I hope everyone has a great Wednesday! xoxo

Stocking stuffers are the perfect gift for family and friends, but sometimes it's so hard to find cute gifts without spending a ton! I recently found a bunch of things that I would love to receive and they are all under $25! My absolute favorites are this "adult beverage" mug and these mini nail polishes. The mug is only $18 and the nail polishes are on sale for $9.99. Also, these pom-pom keychains are everywhere lately. I love putting them on my bags, they add a little extra something and come in so many different colors! One thing I wish I had was a fireplace, so that I could hang stockings... I always feel weird hanging them anywhere else but along the fireplace.

These next couple of weeks are so busy, leading up to the holidays! I even have a winter wedding (my first!) and I am really hoping that it snows (the pretty kind) so she can have a winter-wonderland wedding! I just hope I don't freeze in my strapless dress! yikes.

I can't believe it is already the 1st of December!! I started freaking out realizing that I have less than 3 weeks to complete all my Christmas shopping and since men are the hardest to shop for, I put together a gift guide that will hopefully be helpful when looking for that perfect gift for a husband, boyfriend, brother, etc! These moscow mule glasses are super popular as well as the whiskey rocks which are only $25! If he's a Gin & Tonic drinker, this glass is absolutely perfect and a genius idea!

A lot of the cyber Monday deals are being extended, so make sure to check them out to save $$!

If anyone has any additional gifting ideas for men, I'd love to hear them! :)